Debate over strikes on Syria

A protester holds up her hand, covered in red paint symbolizing blood, as Secretary of State John F. Kerry testifies Wednesday during a House hearing on proposed military strikes against Syria.

A protester holds up her hand, covered in red paint symbolizing blood, as Secretary of State John F. Kerry testifies Wednesday during a House hearing on proposed military strikes against Syria. (Alex Wong / Getty Images)

In the White House Rose Garden on Aug. 31, President Obama announced he would seek the approval of Congress to launch a military strike against the Syrian government.

In the White House Rose Garden on Aug. 31, President Obama announced he would seek the approval of Congress to launch a military strike against the Syrian government. (Charles Dharapak / Associated Press)

President Obama has called for punitive military strikes against Syrian President Bashar Assad for allegedly carrying out a chemical weapons attack in Damascus, but Congress has yet to coalesce around his call-to-arms. Read more: Senate panel backs U.S. strike Photos: Conflict in Syria...